Welcome to the fifth Sunday of Lent. We are a mere two weeks away from Resurrection Sunday. Do you feel the anticipation rising?
The people of Israel certainly knew what it was like to wait in anticipation for God to move and fulfill his promises. Scripture is filled with stories of people waiting on God. Abraham and Sarah waited for their promised son, Jacob waited to return home to the land God had promised him, Joseph waited for God to rescue him from prison, the people of Israel waited in slavery for 400 years for deliverance, then they waited and wandered in the desert for 40 years waiting to enter the Promised Land. Fast forward to the time of the prophets. The people of Israel waited in exile to return to their land, and then they waited for the promised Messiah to restore them.
This week we have two Scripture readings that speak of this anticipation and waiting: Psalm 126 and Isaiah 43:16-21. Take a few minutes to read over these passages. Be sure to note which parts stand out to you.
Both of these passages speak about God restoring his people, as streams in the wasteland. Streams of water flowing through the desert bring forth new life in a once austere and harsh landscape. The people of Israel thought they were waiting for a Messiah to come and kick out the Romans and restore their earthly kingdom. But the reality is God did something beyond their wildest expectations, he brought new life and a restored relationship with God, sending rushing streams of living water throughout the wasteland of our world healing all who choose to dive in.
How have you experienced God making streams in the wastelands of your life? Where do you need to experience streams of living water in the wastelands of your life right now? How are you waiting in anticipation for God to move right now?
Below is a new song by Ellie Holcomb called “Spring Sings.” This song is such a beautiful reminder of how God makes all things new.
